TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—On National Lottery Day, Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians of scams involving lotteries, prizes, and sweepstakes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams involving prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries caused nearly $340 million in financial losses to consumers last year and were the third-most commonly reported scam across the nation. Attorney General Moody is issuing tips for Floridians to avoid being swindled.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Florida's leading small business advocacy organization, has announced the Florida PAC’s initial endorsements for candidates running for the Florida Legislature. The NFIB’s Florida PAC consists of NFIB members from across the state.
Recognizing the essential role manufacturing plays in the growth of a diverse economy, one of the Florida 2030 Blueprint’s goals is to significantly grow Florida into a top five state for manufacturing jobs. Since the release of the Blueprint in 2018, Florida has added 58,300 manufacturing jobs, now ranking #11 in the country—surpassing New York and trailing Georgia by 8,000 jobs. In 2010, the Florida Chamber Foundation released the first Trade and Logistics Report. Then-Governor Scott used this report to advocate for deepening PortMiami and accelerating logistics and...
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has arrested Tyler Stephen Meldrim, 23, in connection with a wildfire that occurred on April 27, 2024, in Santa Rosa County. Meldrim faces one count of Intentional Burning of Lands under Florida Statute 590.28, a third-degree felony.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—To initiate the 2024 Summer Scam Series: Sunny Days and Shady Deals edition, Attorney General Ashley Moody is alerting Floridians about prevalent online shopping scams. During the summer, many online retailers offer special sales with attractive deals and discounts. Scammers may establish imposter websites to mimic these retailers and target consumers with malware and phishing texts designed to steal sensitive information. Attorney General Moody’s "Scams at a Glance: E-Commerce Cons" resource provides information and tips to help Floridians safely navigate...
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody and a coalition of state attorneys general have called on the United States Senate to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) to ensure election integrity by preventing illegal voters from participating in U.S. elections. The coalition describes the bill as a "common-sense reform" with broad support among American voters.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has extended the application deadline for several water quality protection grants. The online grant portal will remain open until July 31, 2024, allowing eligible entities to submit proposals for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
The James Madison Institute (JMI) has announced the appointment of Doug Wheeler as the new director of the George Gibbs Center for Economic Prosperity. In this role, Wheeler will collaborate with business leaders, policymakers, researchers, free market partners, and stakeholders to advocate for market-based policies rooted in limited government, free enterprise, and individual freedoms.
FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by recent flooding in South Florida. To date, 66 businesses have been approved to receive these funds as a temporary financial solution while they await other sources of funding, such as insurance claims. Applications continue to be processed daily.
The 2024 recreational bay scallop season for the Pasco Zone opens on July 10 and will remain open through August 18. This includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, including all waters of the Anclote River.
Newly released data on TheFloridaScorecard.org for 2023 shows that if Florida were an independent country, it would be ranked as the 16th largest economy in the world by gross domestic product (GDP). This marks a change from Florida’s previous GDP ranking as the 15th largest economy globally. Despite this shift, Florida's latest annual GDP stands at $1.58 trillion, reflecting an increase of over $140.4 billion.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Brandon Graves, Frank Griffin, and Nicole Ramos Jones, as well as the reappointment of Prakash “Paul” Patel to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced enforcement actions against Just Brands, LLC and High Roller Private Label, LLC for selling and manufacturing hemp products attractive to children in violation of s. 581.217(7), F.S. The actions include a five-year ban on the sale of any food products, including hemp products, in Florida for Just Brands, LLC; and a two-year ban on the manufacture of hemp gummies in Florida for High Roller Private Label, LLC.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The group of nonpartisan voting rights organizations involved in the Common Cause Florida v. Byrd case will not appeal the March 27 redistricting decision from the federal court for the Northern District of Florida. That decision ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional map, which intentionally silences Black voters, can remain in place for the 2024 election. The groups' request for the Northern District to reconsider the ruling was denied on June 11, 2024.
Florida mother, grandmother, and Orlando resident Sharitta Grier was released on July 11, 2024, by the court in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is the fourth and final American that was being held on ammunition possession charges.
Florida TaxWatch has released its briefing on the state's property insurance market, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to address high insurance costs that could drive residents out of Florida.